Four Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping in Edo as Special Court Delivers First Verdict

Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in what Channels Television reported as the court’s maiden judgment in a kidnapping case.

The four defendants — Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — were tried on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

How the Edo Kidnapping Case Began

The case followed the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.

The incident occurred in broad daylight and subsequently led to a police investigation and the arrest of the four defendants who were eventually prosecuted before the Special Criminal Court.

The court proceedings centred on the allegations contained in the 11-count charge and the evidence presented during the trial.

The judgment marks an early test for the special court, which was established to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and help accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes in Edo State.

Justice Momodu Delivers Death Sentences

In handing down the sentences, Justice Momodu said the applicable law left him without discretion over the prescribed punishment for the counts on which the defendants were convicted.

The judge said his hands were tied by the law and that he would have exercised discretion if the legislation permitted him to do so.

For Marvellous Isaac, the court imposed seven years’ imprisonment on count one. He was sentenced to death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two through nine, received an additional 10-year prison term on count 10 and was sentenced to life imprisonment on count 11.

Wisdom Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two through nine.

Rufus Emete Michael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, three, four, six and seven.

Gift Raphael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.

The sentences therefore included both custodial terms and death sentences on specific counts, rather than a single punishment applying identically to all four defendants.

Court Orders Firearms Destroyed

The court also addressed the firearms and ammunition tendered as exhibits during the proceedings.

Justice Momodu ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges connected to the case.

The court directed that the exhibits be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for destruction within 30 days.

According to the judgment, the confiscated exhibits are to be handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the prescribed police authorities for disposal.

Edo Special Criminal Court Handles Kidnapping Cases

The Edo State Special Criminal Court came into operation on July 1, 2026, with a mandate to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and speed up the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.

The court’s first kidnapping judgment comes as authorities continue efforts to address kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo.

Earlier in September, the Edo State Police Command reported that it had arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and rescued nine victims during operations conducted across the state in August. The command said those operations also resulted in arrests linked to armed robbery, cultism, human trafficking and other offences.

The police also reported the recovery of firearms and ammunition during some of the operations, while investigations into other suspected kidnapping networks continued.

The latest judgment places the activities of the Edo Special Criminal Court under renewed public attention as it begins handling cases involving serious violent offences.

What the Verdict Means

The September 29 judgment represents the first reported kidnapping verdict delivered by the newly established Edo Special Criminal Court.

The four men now face the sentences imposed by the court on the counts for which they were convicted. The judgment also provides for the destruction of the firearms and ammunition tendered as exhibits.

The case highlights the court’s stated role in expediting the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism-related offences in Edo State, while the state continues to rely on police and other security agencies to investigate and prosecute suspected criminal networks.

The court’s decision, including the specific sentences imposed on each defendant, is contained in the judgment delivered by Justice Aigbona Momodu